Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

By Naomi Foster, Contributing Writer, Healthcare
Updated 2026-07-02

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Most traditional dental insurance plans do not fully cover dental implants, but coverage is growing. Some plans pay 50 percent of the implant post up to the annual maximum, others cover only the crown component, and some employer group plans now include implant riders. In most cases, insurance reduces the total bill by $500 to $2,000 rather than covering the procedure entirely.

Does dental insurance cover dental implants?

Traditional dental insurance was designed around preventive care and basic restorative work like fillings and crowns. Dental implants did not exist in most insurers' actuarial models until relatively recently, so older plan designs excluded them. That is changing, but slowly. Today some plans cover a portion of implant costs, and knowing what to look for can save you thousands of dollars.

What typical plans cover and what they do not

Component	Common coverage status
Implant post (titanium screw)	Excluded by most traditional plans
Abutment connector	Excluded by most traditional plans
Crown on the implant	Often covered at 50 percent under major restorative
Bone graft	Sometimes covered if medically necessary
Tooth extraction	Usually covered at 50 to 80 percent
X-rays and CT scan	Usually covered for diagnostics

Does Delta Dental cover dental implants?

It depends on your specific Delta Dental plan. Some employer group plans through Delta Dental do cover implants at 50 percent of the post and crown, subject to the annual maximum. Individual Delta Dental plans usually do not include implant coverage unless you purchased an upgraded tier. Coverage varies sharply by plan, so call Delta Dental directly with your member ID to confirm before scheduling any procedure.

Does Medicare cover dental implants?

Standard Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover dental implants. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include dental benefits that may partially cover implants. Coverage varies by Advantage plan. Check your plan's Evidence of Coverage document or call the plan directly to confirm dental benefits. Medicaid dental coverage for adults varies by state and rarely covers implants, though children's coverage under CHIP is broader.

Plan types that may help

Employer-sponsored group plans with implant riders: Some larger group plans include an implant benefit, often covering 50 percent of the implant post up to the annual maximum. Check your Summary Plan Description carefully.
Individual plans with implant coverage: A handful of individual market plans, particularly through Cigna, Aetna, and Guardian, offer implant coverage after a waiting period of 12 to 24 months. Annual maximums of $1,000 to $2,000 per year cap what the plan will pay.
Delta Dental group plans: Coverage varies sharply by plan. Some employer Delta Dental PPO plans do cover implants. Individual Delta Dental plans typically do not without a specific rider.

How to find out what your plan covers

Do not rely on a summary brochure. Call the member services number on your insurance card and ask two specific questions: Does my plan cover dental implants, and what is the frequency limitation and waiting period? Then ask your dental office to submit a pre-authorization before scheduling surgery. A pre-authorization gives you a written estimate of what the insurer will pay before you commit. This is the single most important step you can take to avoid billing surprises.

You can also use the dental implant cost calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket cost after entering your expected insurance contribution.

What is a waiting period and how does it affect implants?

Many plans with implant coverage require you to be enrolled for 12 to 24 months before the benefit activates. If you sign up for a plan specifically because you need implants, expect to wait before the insurer will pay any portion. Some plans also have frequency limitations that prevent a second implant benefit on the same tooth for five to seven years after the first. Understanding both the waiting period and the frequency limitation before you enroll or schedule is essential.

Medical insurance as a backup

In rare cases, medical insurance covers implant-related procedures when tooth loss resulted from an accident, trauma, or a medically necessary extraction tied to cancer treatment or jaw surgery. Document the medical cause thoroughly and have your dental office submit to medical insurance first before billing dental. This approach rarely covers the full implant but can offset bone grafting or surgical fees. Always consult your insurers to understand what documentation they require.

Bottom line

Most traditional dental plans provide little or no coverage for the implant post itself, but some pay 50 percent of the crown component under major restorative benefits. Plans with explicit implant coverage do exist, mostly through employer group plans and select individual carriers. Always call your insurer directly, request a pre-authorization, and confirm the waiting period before scheduling surgery. Talk to a licensed dental professional to review your treatment options. This information is general in nature and does not constitute insurance or dental advice.

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